WCP2270

[1]¹

Lee. SW

[27 February 1871]²

My Dear Wallace.

When I am elected I will forward you a cheque for 27.7.0[?] for entrance fee to Entomological³. I fear you will find me a bad attendant but in my, spare houeys^rs I shall work out some microscopic work especially in reference to the metamorphosis of anomalous insects. My portfolio contains [2] some fragments which I shall be glad to finish. I suppose fellows are charitable enough to provide others with specimens &c[.]

Many thanks for the review³. I am in the midst of the "descent of man"⁵ and find a feeling of pride coming over me that the results of long years of work enable me to understand & appreciate, I hope, this book. My lectures as things on such subjects are well attended by the students & the class consists of about 65. Evolution is of course my doctrine & I have just completed the nature[?] of the theories of the origin of ^the inorganic world & I find the men[?] go with me: but I think it right to instill the idea which is a necessary [3]³ & fundamental truth ^{to me} that evolution takes place in accordance with laws which initiated with & are rendered continuous in their influence by a great first cause. I preach design & foregone conclusions and the actions & reactions of the material & spiritual in a manner which I expect will make the doctrines of Evolution a little less dreadful in the eyes of the ignorant but pious. The appearance of Darwin[']s⁵ book & Huxley[']s⁴ speech⁷ of the other day defining as it did Christianity[,] Protestantism & [1 word illegible] for the scientific sect, will create a fierce onslaught on us all & I among many others must oppose[?] my voice to the Huxleyian dogma. These truths are I [4] suppose the inevitable results of the clashing of ignorance & [1 word illegible] with true religion & the severe logic of facts. We shall want a new book with the fine old religio medici⁷ to defend ourselves & our faith bye & bye.

Yours faithfully | Martin Duncan [signature]

Alfred Wallace Esq

Feb 27. 1871